Today, we’re sharing with you our top 10 tips for healthy living
I know what you’re thinking…this is going to be 10 tips that you know you SHOULD be doing and it includes boring stuff like “pretend you’re a hamster and get on a treadmill for 30 minutes a day” or “do your best bird impression and well…eat like a bird.” You’re worried that I’ll tell you that new studies say you need 11 hours of sleep to function properly and you’re thinking “geez, I’m a busy person, not my cat, tell me something USEFUL.”
Well, at Le Physique, we sort of believe that a crucial part of living is enjoying your life! So you won’t hear us telling you to never have a glass of wine or enjoy a few French fries if that truly makes you happy (though we would do a pretty good job convincing you of substituting an alternative if you DO have a wedding dress or swimsuit to be strutting around in very soon). You will hear us supporting you to achieve your goals and dreams through many of these healthy living tips.
So without further ado, here we go!
Tip 10 – Eat Breakfast
Many people skip breakfast or think a cup of coffee is good enough. The truth is, breakfast is probably the most important meal of the day. You body needs to refuel after long hours of not eating. Not only does your body need to fuel, but eating breakfast will help your brain be more alert throughout the day. It will also decrease your hunger urges throughout the morning before lunch. 
Not hungry when you wake up? That’s okay, “breakfast” can be within 2 hours of waking, so any food going down the hatch is still “breaking the fast.”
Don’t like breakfast foods? Who said you had to have boring oatmeal or dry toast? Your body doesn’t care the specific food you’re taking in, as long as it has protein, carbohydrates, fiber and a little bit of healthy fat. What it cares about is how much you’re taking in and how it makes you feel after eating it. So if you hate what you’re eating, try something different until you find the right combination for you. I hear steak and eggs is pretty tasty…
No time for breakfast? Toasters, microwaves, blenders are the secret weapons for those on the run (er, those that are busy, not fugitives on the run). Another trick? Wake up 30 minutes earlier. Sounds insane, right? I’ve got a fix for that – go to bed 30 minutes earlier. Hey, this advice is coming from someone that used to get home from an 15 hour day (including an hour travel each way), go to bed then wake up at 4am to be at work at 6am). My point is…breakfast is good for you. It’s your choice!
Studies from several sources like Harvard, Journal of the American Dietetic Association (and more), and statistics from the National Weight Control Registry show that:
* Men who skip breakfast are 21% more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than those who eat breakfast daily.
* Eating breakfast improves mental performance.
* Breakfast eaters also showed a reduction in anxiety levels when faced with stressful situations.
* Adult women trying to diet are more successful if they eat a healthy breakfast and avoid mid-morning snacks.
Mmmm, breakfast blueberry smoothie….
Tip 9 – Drink Water
When it rains in Vancouver, have a glass of water.
Many of us currently acquire our hydration from sources like coffee, tea and juice. So fluids, as a general concept, are good for you! But drinking any fluid isn’t the same, very simply, your body thrives on good ol’ water. Over 70% of our body and over 80% of our brain is made of water. Without it, several body systems become sluggish, harder and even painful. One easy solution is to have a water bottle with you wherever you go so you’re not tempted to buy sugary drinks (*insert plug for our Le Physique Stainless Steel Water bottle*!).
Only drink a cup of water a day? That’s okay, we still don’t know where the magic “8 glasses” of water comes from but if you’re only drinking one cup of water a day, I’m going to go out on a limb and suggest that you probably need more. On the other end of the spectrum, don’t be fooled into thinking that your pee must be clear to signify being fully hydrated (I’m not even sure where that one came from). If you feel that you need more water, just start by adding one (or two) extra cups a day. Start simple. When your body is handling this fine, and you’re ready for more, add another cup.
If you’re curious about hydration as it pertains to activity and your workouts, check out this link: https://www.lephysique.com/half-marathon-running-tips/
So when it rains, think about drinking some of that amazing (free and clean) Vancouver tap water!
There. Now you’ll never forget to have water.
Stay tuned for tips 8 and 7 next week!
Questions, comments or want our super top secret blueberry smoothie recipe? Or maybe you just want a good butt kicking. Either way, contact us at nicole@lephysique.com – we’re here to help!
